The city of San Jose in the southern part of the Bay Area isn’t just the location of the next Intel Extreme Masters but also a lively modern city with loads of attractions to offer. If you’ve never been before, it’s well worth taking a stroll through the city when there’s a break in the esports action. Here are a few ideas for you...

Visit Santana Row

Santana Row basically offers everything your heart desires, be it shopping, dining or partying.  You can find everything from a quick meal to a fancy foreign restaurant - sushi, Indian cuisine, European restaurants, you name it! The shopping mile includes stores from Urban Outfitters to Borders bookstore, and there’s bound to be something for everyone. Additionally, for all you night owls the Santana Row strip offers everything from traditional Irish pubs to throbbing night clubs.

Source: Eric Fredericks

The San Jose Flea Market

Should you attend the San Jose Flea Market, you’ll definitely get the opportunity to pick up plenty of bargains. Visiting California’s largest flea market always makes for a special experience and offers you items from all over the world as well as the freshest local Californian produce.

Source: Noah Christman

Take a tour at some of the big IT companies

While not exactly in San Jose, you shouldn’t miss out on this opportunity. The Bay Area houses some of the biggest IT companies in the world, and most of them offer tours of their respective offices. Google, Apple and Intel are just a few of the big names that make their home here.

Source: Thomas Schranz

The Winchester Mystery House

The Winchester Mystery House offers a tour through the titular 160 room estate. Filled with oddities and boasting a magnificent story as well as the eponymous mystery, you can experience a different time during your hour-long adventure. The Mystery House is also conveniently located close to Santana Row and the local cinema so you can easily head on to further activities.

Source: Annaalyn

The Improv

If you’re looking to share a laugh or two, the Improv is the perfect place for you to find some hilarity. Here you can catch improv comedy shows while enjoying a drink or dinner as part of the audience.

Source: BWChicago

The Tech Museum of Innovation

The Tech Museum of Innovation is not so much a museum in the traditional sense but more of an interactive trip, and offers hands-on exhibits, an IMAX theater and learning programs for its visitors. It’s divided in multiple themed galleries, including space exploration, robotics and laser technology. Not your run of the mill museum tour!

Source: techmuseum

Gordon Biersch Brewery

The eclectic Gordon Biersch Brewery is a beloved pub known for its stacked menu as well as its fine choice of foreign ales and lagers. On weekends it usually fills right up, creating an amazing, fun atmosphere. It’s the place to hang out, especially when they have a band providing live music.

Source: Roosevelts

Parks and Rec

There are numerous beautiful parks strewn all over the city, like the Guadalupe River Park and many like it, providing plenty of places to just sit back, relax and contemplate your Intel Extreme Masters Fantasy team.

Source: Jean

Not got your hands on a ticket yet? Well, look no further - grab an Intel Extreme Masters San Jose ticket here!